Cost of Living: Richmond, CA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Richmond

California
161
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Richmond is 137% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,895/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 50%
$90,038/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 39%
$650,100 ↑ 199%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 67%
$2,015/mo ↑ 107%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 52%
115,396
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 161 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $949/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $11,388/year.

Median household income is $34,862/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $650,100 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Las Cruces slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Richmond or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,895/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $949/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $90,038 in Richmond and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $34,862/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between California and New Mexico?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 161 with median rent of $1,895/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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